Cooktop Cove: How to make slow-cooker creamy mushroom chicken with rice

By Sarah Olson

This is a comforting meal in one pot! I love slow-cooker recipes where I can cook the starch in with the meat. This slow-cooker creamy mushroom chicken has the rice added at the end of the cooking time. I use Minute instant white rice because regular rice can get gluey-tasting in the slow cooker. This kind of rice has been precooked, then dried, which is why it does so well in the slow cooker.

You can experiment with your own seasonings with this recipe! Switch it up with basil or tarragon, or use whatever your favorite seasoning is.

I cook the chicken, garlic, seasonings, onions and mushrooms with chicken broth in the slow cooker. After this is done cooking, I stir in the magic: sour cream and dry Minute white rice. Then I add the lid back on the slow cooker. About 30 minutes later, the rice has fluffed up around the chicken. You can also use precooked-style brown rice if you want; it will take about 15 minutes longer to fluff up. All you have to do to get this meal on the table is steam up some green beans or asparagus.

Directions:1. Add the chicken to a six-quart or larger slow cooker. Sprinkle the chicken with the salt, pepper, oregano, thyme and garlic. Add the onion and mushrooms on top, then pour in the chicken broth.

2. Cover and cook on high for four hours. Don’t open the lid during the cooking time.

3. When the cooking time is up, remove the chicken thighs and place on a plate. Stir in the sour cream until it dissolves into the broth, then stir in the instant rice. Sprinkle with a touch more oregano if desired. Add the chicken back into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes more, or if you use instant brown rice, cook for 45 minutes more instead of 30. Serve and enjoy!